Permanent wave is a term used to describe a type of hairstyle that involves chemically altering the hair to create curls or waves that last for an extended period. There are several synonyms for this term, including perm, curly hair treatment, wave perm, and permanent curls. These terms are often used interchangeably, but they all refer to the same process of transforming straight hair into long-lasting curls. While permanent waves were popular in the 1980s, they have since fallen out of favor, with many people opting for more natural-looking styles. However, for those who want to add permanent texture to their hair, a perm may be an excellent option to explore.